His Eminence Archbishop of Cetinje and Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral Mr. Joanikije and the President of the Municipality of Budva Mr. Nikola Jovanović signed today in the Cetinje Monastery the Agreement on the construction of the Cathedral of St. Mark, between the Municipality of Budva and the Orthodox Metropolis of Montenegro and the Littoral.

As announced by the Municipality of Budva, this event represents a historic act and one of the first agreements of this kind in Montenegro, which confirms the essential cooperation between the local government and the Metropolis of Montenegro and the Littoral, reports RTV Budva.

"By signing this document, the Municipality of Budva once again confirms its commitment to supporting projects that connect tradition, culture and spirituality, as fundamental values ​​that shape the identity of our city and the entire community. The construction of the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Mark is planned in accordance with the Urban Design for the Cathedral Complex, and will be implemented as a religious, cultural and architectural object of special importance for Budva and its citizens. The future temple will be a place of spiritual gathering, cultural creation and joint gathering, which makes it a project of wider social importance," the statement reads.

According to the agreement, the Municipality of Budva has committed to financing the preparation of complete project and technical documentation, the communal equipment of the site, as well as to award the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral a donation in the amount of 1,000,000 euros, which will be planned in the Municipality's budget for 2026.

The Municipality will also participate in the financing and construction of underground garages within the complex of the future temple.

"With this Agreement, the Municipality of Budva confirms that it is committed to preserving spiritual, cultural and historical heritage, but also to creating a modern and harmonious urban space that respects the values ​​and traditions of the city. This is a decision that is in the interest of all citizens of Budva because it contributes to strengthening unity, respecting identity and developing the city in a spirit of mutual respect," concludes the statement of the Municipality of Budva, broadcast by RTV Budva.